ES File Explorer

4.4
iOSApp Store

What it actually doesES File Explorer is a multi-functional file manager with support for local network protocols (SMB, FTP, WebDAV), built-in video/audio players, a PDF editor and browser, but suffers from unstable operation and aggressive monetization through mandatory subscription.

35%Marketing ≈ reality40%Stability79%Live project

Actually does

  • File manager15% of reviews
  • File sharing10% of reviews
  • Video player15% of reviews
  • Music player6% of reviews
  • Audio recorder(bonus)3% of reviews
  • Private browsing10% of reviews

Claimed, but not confirmed by reviews

  • Archiver
  • Cloud sync
  • Доступ к сетевым ресурсам (SMB, FTP, WebDAV)
  • PDF viewer
  • PDF editor
  • E-book reader
  • Code editor
  • Backup / restore
  • Корзина для восстановления удалённых файлов

Common complaints

  • Aggressive subscription model with additional charges for features25% of mentions

    «Paying the same amount monthly for basic functionality of any decent file manager is excessive. I bought the app, but after some time it told me that for more than 3 network devices I need to pay every month!»

  • Unexpected ads (including Chinese ads) after update6% of mentions

    «Chinese ads pop up after the update. It's unclear why they did this in other countries.»

  • Issues with network resource access (SMB, WebDAV, SFTP not working properly)10% of mentions

    «Doesn't see local network! SFTP doesn't accept the key. WebDAV works with limitations - sometimes it doesn't read, sometimes it doesn't write, sometimes it lets you create an empty folder but then refuses to delete it.»

  • Frequent crashes and crashes when working with files and video10% of mentions

    «Logged into the server via ftp, opened a couple of folders and the app stopped displaying folder contents. iOS 17.4.1 crashes after the first long image.»

  • Poor performance, lag, and slow operation with large files13% of mentions

    «Lags, doesn't perform functions the first time. Refuses to work with large files, stutters with storage.»

What people praise

  • Convenient file transfer over WiFi between PC and iPhone

    «There's nothing easier than transferring files from PC (Windows) to iPhone. You open the Transfer tab and select WiFi transfer.»

  • Built-in player for music, video, and audiobooks

    «I listen to music through it, watch audiobooks and films, and everything I created is here in this app»

  • Built-in browser with a dedicated access button

    «Pros: there's a browser. The browser doesn't have a forward button, but the browser is now visible with a separate dedicated button»

  • Overall functionality and convenience for basic tasks

    «Very convenient app. Excellent app. Switched from Documents because it's no longer available in Russia, and I like everything about it»

  • No ads after purchasing subscription

    «The only plus is that after paying, there are no more ads!»

Where to install